With the new school year, make sure your child has what they need for a successful, healthy year ahead. The American Thoracic Society maintains patient resource materials as a public service.
Are you a clinician? Keep your patients informed of lung health risks that come with the start of a new school year and share these resources with them.
It All Starts with Vaccines
Vaccines are an effective, proven method to prevent serious respiratory infections. With vaccine rates declining, now more than ever we need to make sure immunizations are up to date. Learn more about how you can protect your child from infections like the flu and measles.
In this ATS Breathe Easy podcast, two leading experts discuss the critical role of vaccines in protecting children and high-risk populations. They also speak about the rise in measles cases and how vaccines help protect children and adults from measles.
Poorly controlled asthma can sideline children, making it difficult for them at home and at school. Exercise can trigger asthma in some children. Vaping as well as exposure to air pollution have been shown to also trigger asthma symptoms.
Asthma-Related Resources from ATS
Asthma and Exercise for Children and Adults
Using Your Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)
Respiratory Infections and Lung Health
Asthma Medication and Treatment Resources from the Allergy and Asthma Network:
Video Series: How to Use an Asthma Inhaler
Asthma Medication and Treatment
Oral Corticosteroids (OCS) for Asthma
How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler
How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler
Holding Chambers and Spacers for Asthma
Vaping on the Rise
Vaping is the practice of inhaling and exhaling vapor containing nicotine and flavoring produced by an e-cigarette or "vape", and has increased in popularity of the last decade. Children are especially taking to this dangerous practice, with 3.5% of middle school students using e-cigarettes, according to the CDC's National Youth Tobacco Survey. This is an increase from 2021, which had a 2.8% usage among that same population. Despite marketing claims, vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking, and is as addictive as using other nicotine products.